You folks have assisted me several times. In NOV of 2019 forum conversation re: "bashing" a peco N SCALE turntable to Z SCALE included a pic. I am unable to open the pic. Anyone have the picture? Also, if I were to undertake this, a complete Z SCALE novice, do you have any pointers, suggestions or directions that you could share. I am not adverse to scratch building/bashing but need a point of reference to start. I am 'converting' the Marklin Christmas 4-6-0 (2 of them) to an old time (50's) excursion train and setting. I am unable to fit in a WYE for an engine turn around and need a 'small' turntable, replicating a 'men - crowd -pushed' turntable, that would fit this engine and a shorty diesel I intend to build. Motorized - not sure - TBD? Marklin/Rokuhan are not contenders too large and not appropriate for setting. I need small - Peco 6"? or Faller - or smaller. Are there any 'small' turntables out there - kit - homemade - or? Thank you for your time. Mac
The N Peco is a good starting point because it has a polarity changing split ring wiper system for track power.
I used to model also in N scale. At that time I made a few turntables for the Nm (the metric narrow gauge in N that uses the Z track) reproducing this prototype and similar. all using manual actuation (all my commands are manual knobs) and made in FDM technology. I chose a ratio of 16 turns of knob per platform turn and this led to a rather smooth motion. I have been using spherical neodymium magnets with corresponding steel tabs to feed the tracks. As for track, you just needed to snap the Märklin track into the recesses, apply cyanoacrylate glue and cut the excess. I have seen that similar types of turntables existed in America.
Republic Locomotive Works makes a really nice one for Nn3, but works well for Z-scale. i found one at a swap meet many years ago for $20 but never used it.
Mac, Jim O'Connell, one of the best Z scaler around, built an inexpensive and great looking turntable for his famous Z scale CCR layout. Check it out at http://zcentralstation.com/index.php/under-15-buck-turntable John
Kurt, I wrote republic. Apparently they have ZERO as I did not get a reply. The kits look like they can be made to resemble whatever you need. I've worked with you on the 'bay' a couple times. Thanks for the suggestion. Mac
You could hand-lay a wye, allowing you to compress the needed area. Here is a pix of an East Coast Round house but I think you will automatically only see the creativity of an actual prototype railroad: Using the PDF templates from Fast Tracks (https://www.handlaidtrack.com/assets/downloads/tt-z-t-4.pdf) In most CAD software, you can open the file and edit to cut and paste what you actually need. Or, just print on clear material and overlay.
Hello Mac, This is what I did when I needed a small turntable for my HOn30 layout. I used a headphone plug and socket. I glued the plug to the center of the bottom of a piece of track and connected the wires from the plug to the rails. I mounted the socket into the layout. I used a DPDT toggle switch as a reversing switch. The wires ran from the power supply/transformer through the reversing switch to the socket. I rotated the turntable by hand. I used a piece of rail bent into a circle for the ends of the turntable to rotate on.
This might be an option for you (N-scale but also adaptable to Z-scale, Nm, H0f): https://www.faller.de/gb/en/Product...agon-turntable-with-servo-drive-sid14810.html (picture shows N-scale - diameter is 63mm, track on turntable ca. 50mm) Matt
RVN - You know, I'm thinking in your direction. The shorty 45 degree Rokuhan track can provide the rail, bashed. All I needed was some ideas on electrical. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Mac
Hey Matt, I looked at that one AND its sister in HO. A great starting point, just pondering how to put either of the in a PIT. The N is a bit short for my engine. Actually had this in my 'cart' but cancelled. Thanks for the thought. Mac
Hi Jeff, Wish I WERE a cad guy many times. That would have solved many trial and error constructions. Thanks for the input! Mac
I couldn't figure out how to amend my conversation to add the following: I am looking to do an AMSTRONG TURNTABLE as pictured below, Thanks
Mac, I think it was Kevin (Kevsmith) that showed a converted Peco N-scale turntable. He might help you get started. You could probably find the necessary components on that bay, e.g. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Peco-NB-55...005074&hash=item5dbf380380:g:hkwAAOSwDtNf-jXn and here for the motor: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Peco-Turnt...807364?hash=item1cf218f9c4:g:G44AAOSwvIpfTqWt Cheers, Matt
I have also seen one made out of a cd and cd case. Check this out. https://www.carendt.com/articles/faq-make-a-turntable-from-a-cd/
It goes back many years. There was an article in Model Railroader, their February of 1987 issue, by Hayden & Frary about one they built for the HOn30 C&DR Ry.